Nokea
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The nurse notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the nurse expect?
- A. Withhold the next dose
- B. Increase the dosage
- C. Discontinue the medication
- D. Administer the medication
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the medication (Choice D) since the lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range of 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. Withholding the next dose (Choice A) or increasing the dosage (Choice B) is not necessary as the current level is appropriate. Discontinuing the medication (Choice C) is not warranted based on the given lithium level. It is crucial to maintain therapeutic levels to ensure the medication's effectiveness without causing toxicity.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client who has a new prescription for lithium is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. ''I will avoid eating foods that contain tyramine.''
- B. ''I should increase my salt intake while taking this medication.''
- C. ''I should drink at least 2 liters of water each day while taking this medication.''
- D. ''I should avoid consuming caffeinated beverages while taking this medication.''
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily is crucial for clients taking lithium to prevent dehydration and lithium toxicity. Lithium is a salt, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate hydration. Option A is incorrect because lithium does not interact with tyramine-containing foods. Option B is incorrect because increasing salt intake is not necessary and can actually exacerbate lithium toxicity. Option D is incorrect because avoiding caffeinated beverages is not a priority teaching point for clients taking lithium.
A client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
- A. Use lotion on your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, avoiding application between the toes.
- B. Avoid soaking your feet in warm water daily to prevent dry skin.
- C. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent injury.
- D. Do not apply a heating pad to your feet if they feel cold.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Trimming toenails straight across is essential for clients with diabetes to prevent the risk of ingrown toenails and injury. Using lotion on feet can be beneficial but should not be applied between the toes to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Soaking feet in warm water can lead to dry skin, increasing the risk of cracks and other complications. Applying a heating pad to feet when they feel cold is not recommended for clients with diabetes due to impaired sensation, which can result in burns and other injuries.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical record of a client scheduled for a CT scan with contrast media. The healthcare professional should identify which of the following findings as a contraindication to the procedure?
- A. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm³
- B. Urine specific gravity of 1.025
- C. History of asthma
- D. History of allergy to shellfish
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, a history of allergy to shellfish. A known allergy to shellfish is a contraindication for the use of contrast media in a CT scan due to the potential risk of an allergic reaction, which could be severe and life-threatening. Choices A, B, and C are not contraindications to the procedure. A normal white blood cell count, urine specific gravity within the normal range, and a history of asthma do not typically interfere with the administration of contrast media for a CT scan.
A client with bipolar disorder and experiencing mania is under the care of a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Encourage the client to spend time in the day room.
- B. Withdraw the client's TV privileges if they do not attend group therapy.
- C. Encourage the client to take frequent rest periods.
- D. Place the client in seclusion when they exhibit signs of anxiety.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to take frequent rest periods is an appropriate intervention for managing mania in a client with bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, individuals often have increased energy levels, decreased need for sleep, and may engage in high-risk behaviors. Encouraging regular rest periods can help reduce stimulation and promote relaxation, which may assist in stabilizing mood. Choices A and B are not as effective in managing manic symptoms, as they do not directly address the client's need for rest and relaxation. Choice D is inappropriate because placing the client in seclusion can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation, worsening the manic episode.
A client with a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Joint pain.
- B. Weight gain.
- C. Butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weight gain. Weight gain is a common finding in clients with systemic lupus erythematosus due to fluid retention. Joint pain (choice A) is also common in SLE but is not specific to fluid retention. A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (choice C) is a classic symptom of SLE but is not related to fluid retention. Increased appetite (choice D) is less likely in SLE compared to weight gain.